AUSTRALIA HAVE NAMED the man to skipper their side in the upcoming International Rules Series with Ireland.

Melbourne captain Brad Green will lead the hosts in the two-game series showdown against Anthony Tohill’s tourists.

It’s a huge honour,” Green told reporters earlier.

“When Rocket (Eade) told me yesterday that I was going to be captain I had to have a couple of minutes to think about it and take it in.

“It’s up with there, no doubt, with the achievements that have gone before me in my career and certainly a huge highlight and one that I’m rapt to take on.”

His appointment was leaked before a scheduled press conference by Demons teammate Max Gawn on Twitter. Later, Green himself tweeted:

And Green insisted he is expecting a real battle from the Irish, who - he says - are not down under for a vacation.

"The Irish are as passionate as you can get," he added. "They're not coming over here to have a holiday and taste our Guinness. They're over here to come over and take us on and win back the series."

Meanwhile, Tohill and his squad toured the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Pics: Inpho/James Crombie)